Du Bois's double consciousness gets first validated survey scales

Researchers from the University at Buffalo, Rice University and UC Irvine have developed multiple-item survey measures for W.E.B. Du Bois's theory of double consciousness. The paper was published online on 30 October 2026 in Du Bois Review Social Science Research on Race. doi.org The authors are Quintin Gorman Jr., Tony N. Brown and Frederick L. Oswald. They tested the measures on data from a national sample of 2,008 Black adults, collected online in early 2024 via the Prolific platform. doi.org

Three constructs of the theory

Du Bois introduced double consciousness in 1897 and republished it six years later in "The Souls of Black Folk". The theory describes three constructs. The veil is the structure that produces racial stratification. Second sight is knowledge of the veil through racial consciousness at the group or community level. Two-ness is the identity tension Black people feel as a result of second-class citizenship. doi.org

According to Gorman, a search of the literature found six quantitative studies that mentioned and measured double consciousness, and these had various shortcomings. The new scales are intended to capture the perceived veil, second sight and two-ness more accurately. doi.org

Development and validation

The authors began with a review of Du Bois's original writings, from which they drew an initial set of survey questions. The questions were shared with experts in sociology, psychology and political science, and their feedback shaped the final set. doi.org

Common factor analyses suggest that latent variables explain the correlations among eight items indicating the perceived veil, six items indicating second sight and five items indicating two-ness. Reliability analyses provide strong to modest support for the internal consistency of the three constructs. doi.org

Gorman says the work for the first time allows quantitative analyses of the Black experience in the United States with survey measures based directly on Du Bois's theory. He adds that the scales can be adjusted and translated to study specific populations in other countries. In his view, measuring these constructs helps in studying how the color line affects physical health, life expectancy, school achievement and psychological well-being. Gorman says the measures are now being put into use, and the paper outlines directions for future research with them. doi.org

University at Buffalo team develops first validated survey scales for Du Bois's double consciousness

Three constructs of the theory

Development and validation

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